Legal and copyright issues: Thinking of quoting a song, a poem, or lines from a TV show? Make sure any outside material you include is legal.

Some of us write in chunks that are pieced together later. Some of us start at the end and work backwards. And others have a solid idea, but don’t know where to start. We all work in different ways using different methods. An editorial consultation gives you complete flexibility and slots in with your style of working.

FAQs

No problem. The consultation is charged in 15-minute increments which will be tracked by your editor at the time. This flexible approach means you can manage your budget carefully.

Is there a reading fee?

Yes. If your editor needs to read your work as part of the consultation process, a separate reading fee is charged at $0.003 per word. NB: The time taken to read your manuscript is not charged as part of the regular consultation fee.

How do I know I’ll get the right editor?

For your feedback to be useful you need to understand what it means and why it was given; that’s only possible if you have the right editor.
When initially ordering your editorial consultation, you’ll be asked for some basic information about your story (genre, a brief overview if you can, etc.). This information will be used to assign you an editor with experience and interest specific to your unique needs.

If there’s a particular editor you’d like to work with – someone you’ve worked with before or have seen on our blog – then we’ll do our best to make that happen.

How will my editor communicate with me?

Consultations usually take place over the phone, but they can be done via email or Skype if you would prefer.

How will the feedback be formatted?

This depends on your needs. Feedback can be in a written memo, close notes to your manuscript, plot timelines/outlines, or a combination of all three. It is a fully customisable service so you can decide which approach suits your working methods.

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What others are saying

5 out of 5 Loved the experience

Grace Haze–January 7, 2016

There is no way I could have done this without you. You taught me so much and helped me hammer my notes into a strong first draft. I’m excited to write my next draft, and I feel so much more confident. I can’t wait to work with you again!

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Chris Embry(verified owner)–August 12, 2016

I had an amazing story consultation with Robert Wood. He spent time before our Skype meeting pouring over my setting notes and story ideas, and we hashed out a robust plot skeleton for a whole trilogy. I made more progress in an hour and a half with Robert than I did in the past few years alone. I highly recommend these guys!

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An amazing adventure

Isabelle(verified owner)–April 7, 2016

Going in, I had no idea what Story Consultation meant, and feelings of doubt entered my mind before the session.
After my one hour session, I found myself in awe. Not only did the wonderful editor rattle my brain to get to the good bits and pieces hidden at the back. he also brought life to them.
My story started out as a jumble of words and ideas, and ended up a perfect layout for a novel.
The feedback given was clear and honest. It was given with the intent to help me create something amazing.
We focused on my inability to move passed the midpoint, my lack of understanding of concept and theme, and so much more.
No matter where you are in your story, I highly recommend you get a Story Consultation. They will tailor it to you, and your work. And I promise you’ll come out the other side itching to write.

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Pound for Pound, the best value in self-publishing…

Andrew Voelker(verified owner)–June 27, 2016

In breaking ground on a new novel, I elected the Story Consultation service in an effort to receive professional, unbiased analysis regarding my story’s foundation. I received this… and so much more. With Robert Wood’s guidance, I was able to dive deeper into character development. Additionally, Robert’s feedback enabled me to assess the marketability of the novel. I came out of this session with a clear line-of-sight on where I need to take my story. I am confident the Story Consultation will save me countless hours spinning wheels and/or moving the story in a potentially lackluster direction.

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5 out of 5 Story Consultation

Dunstan Stober(verified owner)–August 8, 2017

This is a great product in itself but Robert’s delivery was brilliant. First, he adequately demonstrated that he did pre-read my material which should care. He is a good listener.
I left the meeting with a clear idea of what I need to do next and also felt confident that I had the right partner to help me deliver my book.
To crown it all, I was blown by the level of detail in Robert’s consultation notes.
Amazing service and I highly recommend anyone with an idea for a book to have a chat with Robert.
Money well spent? Absolutely. And I am an accountant!

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5 out of 5 Excellent Editorial Services

Judy Gerard Thomson(verified owner)–October 5, 2017

My self-confidence had sunk pretty low, and I was close to giving up, by the time I reached out to Standout for help.

Alex listened to (and took seriously) my every word. He assessed my editorial needs and found me the perfect new editor/consultant.

Ms. Duke has been fabulous. She really pays attention, and I feel she understands my underlying concerns. She’s experienced, smart, articulate – and amazingly easy to deal with. A supportive and comfortable fit, in other words. A partnership of equals.

I’m so glad I sent that first Email.

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